Deadly Illusion

Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mysteries, Book 4

By: Carla Simpson

Narrated by: Bronwen Price

What is real or only an illusion?

Ghostly images appear and float across the stage, objects levitate into the air, and a beautiful assistant disappears inside a glass box, then reappears inside a second glass box. All while the audience at the Crystal Palace, including amateur investigator Mikaela Forsythe, watch the performance.

Is it real? Can the audience believe what they see?

Then, an evening with her friend, Theodora Templeton, attending the one-night performance by master illusionist Jean Luc Betard, takes a ghastly turn and plunges Mikaela headlong into murder when the illusionist's young assistant is found dead at the end of his newest stunt.

The police, specifically Chief Inspector Abberline, who is also in attendance, declare it a tragic accident in an illusion gone wrong. But after making her own observations, Mikaela is not convinced and places a call to Private Investigator Angus Brodie.

Theirs is a complicated partnership, more so with his latest work with the Special Services organization at the conclusion of their previous case and that particularly complicated conversation he insisted on having with her. Irritating man!

Nevertheless, Mikaela is certain there is more amiss than merely a tragic accident, and Brodie is forced to admit that she may be right, pulling them together once more, personal feelings aside. Or possibly not...

That certainty takes both of them on a dangerous trail of clues that appear then just as quickly disappear, much like the illusionist's tricks.

The case is no sleight of hand but a series of dangerous illusions meant to deceive both Mikaela and Brodie and perhaps make them both disappear for good while the murderer goes about his deadly scheme.

And then, there is that conversation that she walked out on before, but he insists on having, even in the midst of murder. Oh my!

©2023 Carla Simpson (P)2023 Podium Audio

Mystery Maven

Good story and excellent narration for all the characters and accents. Recommend the entire series. Next entry coming soon.

Interesting Characters

Loved the further developments in Michaela & Brody’s relationship. While the storyline was good I did find it predictable which somewhat took away from the entertainment value. The narrator is excellent as always.

Wonderful

The stories of this series are wonderful. Truly a mystery, with just a touch of humor and romance.

Excellent Read

Authentic character growth in feeling and description. Outstanding story development with interesting twists and turns.

Overall, a good listen. However...

Story line was good. Excellent narrator. Some 'filler' that could have been left out.
However, I am annoyed or amused, can't really say, at the number of times the word 'however' is used. I have come to expect it and actually say it before the narrator says it. Author has cut down on the very fine whiskey drinking.

Just a side note since there is no way to make a comment to Audible. The new design view of a page, starting about 2-14-2025, is harder on eyes that are not 20-20, old eyes, eyes that have disease, or eyes that need more contrast. It was very easy to view pages with reverse constrast before the switch.
This is an observation, not a complaint. You learn to work around a handicap and I need the audio books so I will continue to buy them. Quite a few every year.

Great characters

I loved the further character development between Brody and Mikaela. l can't wait to see where it goes from here

Brilliant

I love this series!! Excellent writing and intriguing mystery. The characters are realistic and the narrator is perfect.

Needs a thesaurus

I couldn’t finish the book. I understand her aunt had very fine whiskey and angus had a dark gaze. Literally the same descriptions EVERY CHAPTER. The story could have been good but the writing is flat and repetitive.